Trust Me: Switch to Safer Sunscreen

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OK everyone, I know this is a longer post than usual. But trust me when I say that this is important! I hope that you will all take the time to read about why I switched to safer sunscreen and the reasons you should, too.

When it comes to sun exposure, there are several things that can be a risk to your health and even the environment. In fact, the products you’re using to help protect you from the sun may be causing more harm than good. Sunscreen is a unique product in that we apply it all over our bodies, in layers, and often re-apply multiple times a day. Not only is is absorbed by our skin, but it also ends up in our mouth and we often inhale ingredients, especially those dispersed by aerosol sunscreens. That’s why it’s easy to understand why, as a result, studies show that many chemicals used in sunscreen can be measured in blood, breast milk, and urine samples.

In order to filter UV radiation, sunscreen includes two different types of active ingredients: chemical and mineral. When it comes to chemical filters the most common combination usually includes two to six of the following: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. As I have mentioned in previous blog posts surrounding the regulation of the beauty and personal care industry, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the ingredients in sunscreen. In fact, they haven’t review the safety of ingredients since the 1970’s. However, the Danish EPA evaluated sunscreen safety in 2015 and determined some terrifying facts.

The scary thing about all of these ingredients is that studies have found they may cause human hormone disruption, as they can interact with human sex and thyroid hormones. Oxybenzone, which is in 65% of the non-mineral sunscreens in EWG‘s database, is most concerning. It can mimic estrogen and has a “potent androgenic effects,” also known as androgen blocking or testosterone blocking, effects. It can also cause allergic reactions and is known to contribute to the detriment of coral reefs around the world. As if we need anymore of that!

For example, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly tests the American population for oxybenzone, which they have detected in over 96% of the population. Researchers have discovered that adolescent males that have a higher measurement of oxybenzone in their body had significantly lower testosterone levels (Scinicariello 2016).

From an environmental standpoint, the University of Riverside tested the effects of oxybenzone on fish. It resulted in diminished reproductive abilities at certain concentrations. Furthermore, an Italian study tested the latter ingredient, as well as octinoxate and butylparaben (paraben, common preservative) and found that it caused viral infections in algae that usually nourish coral reefs. As a result, the coral “bleached” and ultimately died.

It’s important to remember how much our bodies absorb the products we apply, especially sunscreen. The added harm that they cause to the ecosystems we so lovingly like to visit and cool off in makes it even more concerning. That’s why it’s imperative that we start switching to safer products that will continue to protect us without doing unseen damage to our bodies and our environment.

All of the information above is why I became a Beautycounter consultant. I’m so passionate about the products themselves, but also educating others on product safety. Officially becoming a clean beauty advocate by supporting the company’s mission has been life-changing! Which brings me to the exciting part about this post: Beautycounter has released a brand new line of sun care products called Countersun. It’s an amazing, safer option to protect your skin this Summer! It’s formulated without over 1,500 potentially harmful and toxic ingredients, including the chemicals above. Countersun blocks UVB (burning rays), UVA (aging rays) and blue light! That’s right, even technology can age us in more ways than one.

Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist: This innovative mist is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, which we evaluate to ensure there is no potential risk of inhalation and won’t blood stream, which can have harmful effects. It sprays on white to help guide application, then quickly dries and blends easily. It also comes in travel size!

I’ve personally tested out all of these products and absolutely love them! They all offer 30 SPF protection. I liked that it didn’t make my skin feel oily and went on smooth. However, my #1 favorite in this collection is hands-down the Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist. I’ve heard so much about how inhaling average spray sunscreen and the propellants are terrible for you (I even wrote about the dangers of propellants in dry shampoo). Plus, they’re highly flammable and cause ozone-layer depletion. have numerous other harmful effects to the environment including diminishing

I struggled to find a product that gave me the same performance, but with a safer spray application. I finally found it with Countersun!

If you were able to stick around for all the facts regarding safer sunscreen: thank you! I appreciate you hanging in there. If you jumped straight to the info about the product I appreciate you, too! Anyway that I can get the word out about the need for safer products and options for those that are interested is a win in my book.

Thank you so much for reading a please feel free to comment below with questions or shoot me an email to learn more about Beautycounter at thestylelodown@gmail.com. You can also read more about my favorite products here.

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ABOUT LOLO

Charlotte based curvy fashion + lifestyle blogger with a creative soul and a mind for business striving to share affordable style and clean beauty for every body.